Portable scaffold



UNITED STATES PATENT EECE'.

R. M. LYTLE, OF TRIUNE, TENNESSEE.

PORTABLE SCAFFOLD.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, R. M. LY'rLE, of Triune, vWilliamson county, State of Tennessee, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Portable Scaffolds, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming part of this specification, in which- Figure l represents a scaffold embracing my improvements. Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of the fastening of the girths of the posts.

The object of this invention is the construction of a strong secure portable scaffold that can be taken down and put up with great facility.

My invention consists, first, in arranging and connecting the girths with the posts so that. in taking out or putting in one or more in any part of the frame the position of the remainder will not be displaced; second, in arranging the bands supporting the ends of the girths so that they not only connect the girths with the posts but also form sockets to receive the foot of the post in splicing the same; third, in the application of a double wedge in connection with two band's, as a splicing plate so arranged that the driving of the wedge draws both bands with equal tightness, and stiffens the joint at the splicing.

In the accompanying drawing is represented a portable scaffold embracing my improvements, which consists of foundation sills (A) from each which rise two posts (B) placed at the proper distance apart, to give the required width to the scaffold. The posts are footed in sockets (K) attached to the sills, and are connected at regular intervals by cross girths (C) which serve to su port the platform of the staging, and tliie posts of the different sills are also connected by longitudinal ties (D) and a brace (H) extends from the outer end of each sill up against the outer posts.

The girths are united to the posts by means of a metal thimble or band (a) surrounding the post, in which is a transverse and vertical slot (b), into which a bolt (0) enters and is caught and held by the sides of the vertical slot, so that it can not turn or be drawn out 1 29,607, dated August 14, 1860.

endwise. These bands not only serve to attach the girths of the posts but they also serve as splicing bands in lengthening/out the posts as the scaffold is raised, in which case half the width of the' band is above the top of the post that is to be extended and the piece to be spliced enters the socket formed by the band.

To strengthen the post at the splicing point, a splicing plate (ci) is used in the form of a double wedge, the small end of one wedge joining the large end of the other. Encircling each wedge and also the top of the lower and the bottom of the upper piece are bands, (e) which are confined to the wedge by long staples so that the wedge when driven may slide without moving the bands, and'thus draw the bands tight around the post. This staple prevents the bands from being disconnected from the wedge, and diminishes the liability of their being lost.

The longitudinal ties (D) are connected with the posts by straps (71.) through which they pass, and a notch is made in the lower side of the ties, so as to form a shoulder on either side of the strap, and prevent the ties from working laterally, and retain the posts at a proper distance apart longitudinally. A key or wedge is driven over the top of the tie, and between it and the strap and prevents the notch from rising over the sides of the strap. The ends of the braces (H) enter iron sockets both on the sill and face of the back post and are held by them from moving laterally or endwise.

In using a double wedge, the length of the band, anc consequently its weight, is much less than it would be with a single wedge of the same slope and length as the double wedge; and moreover its position on the post is less liable to change in driving the key.

Having thus described my improvements in portable scaffolds, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent isl. Connecting the posts by means of transverse girders arranged substantially as described, so that one or more may be taken out, or ut in Without displacing the other parts o the frame.

2. Arranging the bands confining the girders to the posts so as j'Co 'form Splicing In testimony whereof I have subscribed sockets to receive the two ends of the post my name. at the point where it is spliced.

3. The combination of a double wedge R' M LYTLE 5 with two bands for strenghtening the splc- Witnesses:

ing of the post when arranged substantially A. W. WHEN, as described for the purpose set forth. THOMAS PAYNE. 

